Homemade Croissants

Name: Homemade Croissants
Prep time: 765 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 785 min
Ingredients: 4 cups 500g plain all-purpose flour: Measured by spooning and leveling, this provides the necessary structure.; 1 and 1/2 cups (360ml cold full-fat whole milk: Adds a richness that helps contribute to a lovely flavor.); 1 tablespoon active dry yeast or instant yeast: The secret to that beautiful rise.; 1/4 cup 4 tablespoons; 56g unsalted butter: Softened to a creamy consistency, crucial for mixing with the dough.; 1/4 cup 50g fine granulated sugar: Just the right amount to create a hint of sweetness.; 2 teaspoons fine sea salt: Balances the flavors.; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds a layer of warmth and depth.; A pinch of ground nutmeg: This secret ingredient enhances the aroma and flavor profile.; 2 tablespoons 16g all-purpose flour: This helps bind and stabilize the butter layer during the lamination.; 1 and 1/2 cups (340g high-quality unsalted butter: Softened to a spreadable texture, creating those delicious layers.); 2 tablespoons 30ml whole milk: For that golden crust.; 1 large egg: Gives that beautiful shine.

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When it comes to enjoying homemade croissants, the right accompaniments can elevate the experience to new heights. Picture this: a warm, flaky croissant fresh out of the oven, paired with velvety butter and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Or imagine spreading a scoop of tangy raspberry jam, the sweetness perfectly balancing the buttery richness. Some might even go for soft cheese like brie, which melts into the croissant, creating a heavenly bite.

And don’t forget the perfect beverage — a cappuccino, fresh orange juice, or even a chilled glass of sparkling wine can do wonders to complement those delicious layers. Each pairing can turn a simple croissant into a culinary delight worth savoring.

As a food enthusiast and passionate home cook, I’ve always marveled at the magic of croissants. These pastries are a labor of love; every fold and turn of the dough layers brings us closer to something extraordinary.

I remember the first time I attempted to make them. The kitchen was a flurry of flour, and the air was thick with anticipation. The end result? A batch of flaky goodness that made the hours spent worth every minute.

There’s something special about homemade croissants. Unlike store-bought versions, they have a warmth and nostalgia baked into each bite. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, crafting the perfect croissant at home is a rewarding experience that brings together culinary skills and patience. Let’s dig into what makes this recipe a standout choice for your next baking adventure.

Table of Contents

Why This Recipe Works

When diving into the world of croissants, it’s essential to understand why this recipe yields such delicious results. Here are a few reasons that stand out:

1. High-Quality Ingredients
The foundation of any great dish starts with quality ingredients. I’ve chosen all-purpose flour that’s great for structure. Whole milk adds creaminess. A high-fat butter ensures that those flaky layers become dense yet airy. Using good ingredients really breathes life into the dough.

2. Proper Technique
Croissant making is all about technique. This recipe emphasizes the importance of lamination — that’s the folding and rolling of the dough around the butter. Following this process ensures those beautiful layers and the flaky texture that everyone craves. Trust me, it’s the heart and soul of croissant making.

3. Temperature Control
Keeping your dough cool is crucial. A chilled environment allows the butter to maintain its structure while working with the dough. This recipe details specific steps to ensure the mixture doesn’t get too warm when rolling and folding, leading to an ideal texture and rise.

4. Time Investment
Patience is key. This recipe is designed in such a way to allow for resting periods. The dough needs time to relax after each fold, which develops flavor and creates the signature layers. Rushing this process can lead to dense or uneven croissants!

How Does It Taste Like?

What can you expect when you take that first bite into a homemade croissant? There’s a delightful crunch as you break through the delicate outer layer. Inside, the texture is soft and airy, almost buttery, with a hint of sweetness.

A well-made croissant presents a beautiful balance — the buttery flavor sings in harmony with a subtle nuttiness from the perfectly baked dough. It tastes like a warm hug, the kind that comforts and awakens the senses at the same time. You may find it’s hard to stop at just one!

What Sets This Recipe Apart from Other Homemade Croissant Variations?

There are many croissant recipes out there, but this one takes a different approach. While some may play with fillings or flavorings, this recipe focuses on the classic technique. It balances simplicity and quality.

You won’t find tricky additions that may overwhelm the pastry. Instead, there’s a focus on achieving perfect layers, mastering the dough texture, and achieving a delightful rise and flakiness to your croissants.

The Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

4 cups (500g) plain all-purpose flour: Measured by spooning and leveling, this provides the necessary structure.
1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) cold full-fat whole milk: Adds a richness that helps contribute to a lovely flavor.
1 tablespoon active dry yeast or instant yeast: The secret to that beautiful rise.
1/4 cup (4 tablespoons; 56g) unsalted butter: Softened to a creamy consistency, crucial for mixing with the dough.
1/4 cup (50g) fine granulated sugar: Just the right amount to create a hint of sweetness.
2 teaspoons fine sea salt: Balances the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds a layer of warmth and depth.
A pinch of ground nutmeg: This secret ingredient enhances the aroma and flavor profile.

Butter Layer

2 tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour: This helps bind and stabilize the butter layer during the lamination.
1 and 1/2 cups (340g) high-quality unsalted butter: Softened to a spreadable texture, creating those delicious layers.

Egg Wash

2 tablespoons (30ml) whole milk: For that golden crust.
1 large egg: Gives that beautiful shine.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the yeast and milk together, allowing it to activate for about five minutes. Mix the wet ingredients into the flour mixture until a shaggy dough forms. Then, knead it gently for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. This is where the magic of texture begins.

Step 2: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm area until it doubles in size. It usually takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the temperature of your kitchen. You want this dough to puff up nicely.

Step 3: Prepare the Butter Layer

Now, for the butter layer! In a separate bowl, combine high-quality softened butter and flour, mixing until smooth.

Place it between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it into a rectangular shape, about 1/2 inch thick. Chill it until firm, around 30 minutes.

Step 4: Lamination

Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, then place your chilled butter slab in the center. Fold the dough over the butter, encasing it completely. Seal the edges, ensuring no butter peeks out.

Step 5: The Turns

Roll the dough out into another large rectangle, then fold it into thirds (like a letter). This is the first turn. Wrap it gently in plastic wrap and chill it for at least 30 minutes. Repeat this process two more times, making a total of three turns.

Step 6: Final Shape and Second Rise

After the final turn, roll the dough out into a large rectangle again. Cut it into triangles or rectangles, depending on your preferred shape. Roll each piece tightly from the base to the tip. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a towel and let them rise for about an hour.

Step 7: Egg Wash and Bake

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the croissants with a mixture of the egg and milk wash for that golden finish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden and puffed.

Notes

Here are some handy tips to ensure your croissants turn out perfectly every time:

Use a Scale: Measuring ingredients by weight leads to more accurate results.
Keep Everything Cold: Chill your butter and dough frequently to ensure the butter doesn’t melt.
Work Quickly: The warmer your kitchen, the faster everything can get sticky. Cool hands and a cool workspace are vital.
Don’t Rush the Proofing: Allow the dough its time to rise for the best flavor and texture in your croissants.
Experiment with Flavors: Try adding fillings like chocolate, almond paste, or cheese during the rolling phase for some fun variations!

Nutrition Information

Homemade croissants can be rich, but knowing what you’re consuming can help balance it out. Here’s a rough estimate per croissant (based on 12 servings):

Calories: 300
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 5g

Nutrition can vary depending on the exact ingredients used, but you can indulge knowing you’ve poured love into each layer.

How Do You Store These Homemade Croissants?

To keep your croissants fresh, let them cool completely to room temperature. Then, wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them in an airtight container. They’ll last for about two days at room temperature. For longer storage, pop them into the freezer. Just wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn, and they can last for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen for an even flakier result!

Sides for Homemade Croissants

What’s better than a croissant? Pairing it with delightful accompaniments! Here are a few ideas:

1. Seasonal Fruit Salad
A medley of summer berries, melon, and citrus can provide a bright complement to your croissant. The freshness contrasts well with the buttery pastry, creating a refreshing experience.

2. Greek Yogurt with Honey
A scoop of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey and topped with crunchy granola brings a delightful twist. The tangy yogurt balances the richness of the croissant and adds a wholesome touch to your breakfast.

3. Savory Quiche
Why not go for a slice of well-made quiche? The creamy filling and flaky crust complement the croissant’s texture while diversifying your palette. Plus, you can add seasonal veggies for extra flavor!

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients if They Are Not Present in Your Kitchen?

Sometimes life throws you a curveball, and you don’t have everything on hand. Here are some alternatives:

1. Flour
If you don’t have all-purpose flour available, bread flour can work beautifully as well. It will create a slightly chewier texture but still yield delicious results.

2. Milk
If you’re out of whole milk, feel free to use any non-dairy milk. Almond milk or oat milk can work just as well, though the flavor profile will change slightly.

3. Butter
In a pinch, margarine can substitute butter, though you may lose some buttery flavor. For a dairy-free option, coconut oil is another alternative, but it will yield a different texture.

4. Sugar
If you’re out of granulated sugar, brown sugar could be used instead. It adds a hint of molasses flavor, which pairs surprisingly well with the croissant.

When it comes to enjoying homemade croissants, the right accompaniments can elevate the experience to new heights.

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Prep Time 12 45

Cook Time 20

Total Time 13 5

Course Breakfast

Cuisine French

Servings croissants

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

Bowl
Oven